Visible card rack



Nov. 1, 1932.

L. T. LLOYD ET AL VISIBLE CARD'. RACK Filed Oct. 18. 1929 Patented Nov. 1, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LESTER T. LLOYD, OF OAK PARK, AND HENRY OLSEN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS T0 W'. G. LLOYD COMPANY VISIBLE GARD RACK l i Application filed 'October 18, 1929. Serial No. 400,700.

This invention relates to card systems and more particularly to a card rack, which makes cards secured thereon readily visible and accessible on both sides for inspection and for recording of figures or other data.

One of the primary objects of the invention is to provide a card rack mechanism of simple andlight weight, yet of strong construction upon which cards may be so arranged and supported one above the other, so that index tabs of cards are visible for ready reference to any particular card on the rack, and the data on either side of any particular card on the rack is in the proper line or angle of vision. Another' object is not only to ar range and support the cards at a convenient angle of vision, but also at an angle which, with proper support, permits the easy recording of data on either side of card. A further object is to accomplish the above by a hinged arrangement of the cards to the rack so that data may be recorded or referred to rapidly, the cards neither sticking nor binding with each other, nor tumbling, nor other'- wise not maintaining their proper position in or on the rack, or in relation to each other. Another object is to provide a rack arrangement by which, when any single card is turned to for particular reference, the weight of the other cards will be so distributed by the angle of the rack as to allow this card to remain in a desired position without requiringl additional support in that position. still further object is to provide for the removal, insertion, or rearrangement of the cards and at all times, to keep the cards in regular and proper alignment. Other objects and advantages will appear as the description proceeds.

The invention is fully described in the folg lowing specification and shown in the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure l is a plan view of apparatus embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is an end view in elevation ;l Fig. 3 is a sectional view, the section being taken as indicated at line 3 of Fig. 2; and Fig. 4 is a sectional view, the section being taken as indicated at line 4 of Fig. 9., the cards having been removed for clear-ness of illustration.

ln the illustration given the apparatus comprises a frame support A, card-holding apparatus B, and card-support mechanism C.

The supporting frame A comprises preferably a pair of sider frame members 1. Each of the members l is illustrated as being formed from a single strip of metal shaped as shown in Figure 2 and having its ends meeting at 3. rlhe pair of side members 1 are joined by cross-pieces 4, one of which being located at the meeting ends of the frame member 1,these parts being spot-welded to form a rigid frame. A pair of spaced or intermediate strips 5 are secured to two of the cross-pieces r4 and provide between them a slot 6 which serves as a guide and track for the follower block.

A broad side strip 7 provided with an upturned side wall 8 is secured upon the inclined wall 2 of each side frame l. The vertical side wall 8 is provided with a plurality of spaced perforations 9 whichare arranged at definite intervals determined from the standpoint of securing as great a number of cards to a rack as its size permits without, in so doing, interfering with the free movement of the cards on theirhinge arrangement. The frame construction A is preferably formed of steel and the various parts thereof are preferably secured together by means of spotwelding.

The card-holding mechanism B comprises hinge or loop plates 10, which are adapted to be secured to each of the cards, and wires or rods 11 which extend through the loop portion of hinge plates 10 and engage the perforations of side wall 8. The loop plates 10 are preferably formed of metal and are provided with a loop portion adapted to loosely receive rod 11. However, any suitable means may be employed to secure cards to the rack. The rod 1l is preferably formed of steel Wire or other suitable material and is provided at one end with a crook or friction bend 12 adapted to engage the lower portion of inclined side 2.

The card-supporting mechanism C comprises a follower block 13, a bolt 14 with a `lower threaded end extending through slotway 6 and a wing nut 15 engaging the threaded end of bolt 14. The follower block 13 is provided with a forwardly turned flange 16, the end portions of which engage the underside of side strips 7 Portions of the block are cut away at 17 to allow side strips 7 to pass therethrough, Shoulders 18 of the block engagethe upper surface of side strips 7 and serve to support rigidly the block 13 thereon. Bolt 14 asses through the flan re 16 and serves, w en the wing nut 15 is tightened, to firmly clamp the flange against the intermediate members 5 so as to lock block 13 securely in osition.

n the illustration given, a portion of the side strips 7 extends downwardly beyond the end of side frame members 1 to a point where it almost touches the support upon which frame A rests. This increases the space available for perforations 9. If desired the side frame 1 may be provided at its forward end with a V point, in which arrangement, the inclined side 2 would be substantially co-extensive with side strip 7.

The cards are preferably provided at their to with tabs or index spaces 19 upon which re erence numbers, letters or phrases may be written to enable the ready location of cards bearing the desired information.

In the operation of the apparatus, the loop tabs 10 are secured in any desired number to the bottom of a file card. The plain end of rod 11 is then inserted through a perforation in one of the side walls 8 and passed through the loop portion of tabs 10 and through the perforation in the opposite side Wall.' To secure the wire rod 11 rigidly in position the crook or curved end 12 of rod 1 is pushed inwardly to engage the under side of side strip 7. The frictional grip of the locking element 12 is sufficient to secure the'rod 11 normally against endwise movement, but does not prevent ready withdrawal "of the rod, when desired, by the application of force. To support the cards at the desired angle, follower block 13 may be shifted forwardly or rearwardly when wing nut 5 is loosened and then held in position by tightening wing nut 15.

In the construction illustrated, it will be observed that the cards are supported upon a pair of inclined side strips 7 which arra ement renders the top portions of the ca readily visible. The follower block C which is inclined at another angle cooperates withthe inclined strips 7 to vary the angle at'which the cards are supported and consequently the Varea of the top portions of the cards which are visible.

It will also be observed that the construction of 'the follower block and the arrange ment by which the flange 16 is secured to the frame A enables the flange 16 to extend below lpins or rods 11 so that the block 13 may be rought forward into complete contact with the rearmost card.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations shoul be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible in view of the prior art.

What we regard as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a device of the character set forth, a rack frame, file cards provided with loops, rods adapted to engage said loops, means for releasably securing said rods to said frame and means for releasably locking said rods in said first mentioned means.

2. In a device of the character set forth, a rack frame provided with aside Wall, perforatious therein, cards provided with loop elements, rods adapted to engage said loops and said perforations, and means for frictionally securing one end of said rods to said frame.

3. In a device of the character set forth, a rack frame provided with side walls having perforations therein, cards equipped with loop elements, rods in said perforations adapted to engage said loops, and spring means for releasably securing said rods in said perforations.

4. In a device of the character set forth,

a rack frame, cards equipped with loop eleif ments, rods adapted to engage said loop elements, retention means associated with said frame adapted to engage said rods, and a frictional catch on one end of each Vrod adapted to engage said frame.

5. In a device of the character set forth, a rack frame provided with inclined sides, cards equipped with hinge elements, means associated with said inclined sides of the frame adapted to engage said hinge elements to support the cards on the frame, and frictional means for releasably securing said first-mentioned means on said frame.

6. In a device of the character set forth, a rack frame provided with inclined sides, cards provided with hinge elements, means separately secured to said inclined sides of the frame adapted to engage said hinge elements, and a follower block adapted to support said cards at an angle to said inclined sides.

7. In a device of the character set forth, a rack frame, cards equipped with loop elements, rods engaging such loop elements, retention means associated with said frame adapted to engage said rods, and a follower block equipped with a stabilizing flange, said flange being insertable below said rods.

8. In a device of the character set forth, a rack frame equipped with side strips, a follower block provided with shoulders engaging the upper side of said side strips and being also provided with a flange adapted to engage the underside of said side strips, and

ICQ

means for releasably securing said follower block in position.

9. In a device of the character set forth, a rack frame comprising side frame members having an inclined upper side7 each of said side frame members being bent up from a single strip with its ends in adjacent relation, a cross-strip engaging said side frame members at the point Where said ends meet, and means upon the inclined side of said side frame members for supporting cards.

l0. In a device of the character set forth, a rack frame provided With inclined sides, cards provided With hinge elements, means separately secured to said inclined sides of the frame adapted to engage said hinge elements, a follower block adapted to support said cards, and means adjustably securing said block to said frame to support it at an angle to said inclined sides, said block being adapted by adjustment to vary the angle of inclination of said cards.

LESTER T. LLOYD. HENRY OLSEN. 

